Health and Sicknesses
of Older People
323
CHAPTER
22
This chapter is about the prevention and treatment of problems seen mostly
in older persons.
SUMMARY OF HEALTH PROBLEMS
DISCUSSED IN OTHER CHAPTERS
Difficulties with Vision (see p. 217)
After the age of 40, many people have problems
seeing close objects clearly. They are becoming
farsighted. Often glasses will help.
Everyone over age 40 should watch for signs of glaucoma, which can cause
blindness if left untreated. Any person with signs of glaucoma (see p. 222) should
seek medical help.
Cataracts (see p. 225) and ‘flies before the eyes’ (tiny moving spots—p. 227) are
also common problems of old age.
Weakness, Tiredness, and Eating Habits
Old people understandably have less energy and strength
than when they were younger, but they will become even
weaker if they do not eat well. Although older people often do
not eat very much, they should eat some body building and
protective foods every day (see p. 110 to 111).
Swelling of the Feet (see p. 176)
This can be caused by many diseases, but in older people
it is often caused by poor circulation or heart trouble (see
p. 325). Whatever the cause, keeping the feet up is the
best treatment. Walking helps too—but do not spend much
time standing or sitting with the feet down. Keep the feet up
whenever possible.